26-27 School Nurse

Somerville Public Schools • Somerville, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidenced-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. The school nurse will perform professional nursing duties consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing, school health, and local district policy.

Requirements

• Active/Current license as a registered nurse with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Masters in Nursing.
• Currently certified or eligible for the Department of Education’s School Nurse Certification (if not currently certified, must take and successfully obtain certification within 2 years of employment).
• Current Massachusetts CPR certification.
• Ability to work with people and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience caring for students with special health care needs is preferred.
• Those with Bilingual and/or multilingual skills are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Performs and oversees all state mandated annual health screenings (e.g. vision, hearing, postural, SBIRT, height and weight, etc.) for designated grade levels and makes appropriate referrals.
• Identifies specific medical needs relating to the particular health status of the student(s) and facilitates appropriate management for the student(s) in the school setting, and secures additional services as needed.
• Triages students to provide appropriate medical intervention, and follow up care.
• Monitors student(s) referred for illness/and or injury for the purpose of attending to their immediate health care concerns and initiating follow-up care.
• Provides care to students with chronic illnesses and high-risk students (e.g. allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, medically fragile, etc.) for the purpose of assisting the child in achieving their highest possible functioning level.
• Assesses situations involving students’ safety, abuse (physical, sexual, drug, etc.) and other health related issues for the purpose of identifying problems, referring for proper treatment, and complying with legal requirements.
• Performs skilled nursing procedures and/or is willing to be trained in insulin administration, catheterizations, suctioning, trach care, gastrostomy tube feedings, and nebulizer treatments to ensure the health and safety of the students.
• Administers first aid, medication and specialized medical treatments for the purpose of providing appropriate care for the ill, medically fragile and/or injured children in accordance with state laws and district policies.
• Develops and implements individual health care plans/medication administration plans for students and develops health care sections of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.
• Documents all clinical visits, medical and/or information changes thoroughly and professionally to ensure accuracy in the school health record and continuity of care for the student.
• Maintains students’ confidential records (e.g. immunization records, health care plans, accident reports, agency referrals, etc.) for the purpose of reporting and complying with legal requirements.
• Maintains health room statistics as required for the school district and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
• Complies with district medication policies, which include obtaining required annual parental permission and physician orders for prescribed medication and/or treatments, and medication delegation and Epi-Pen training.
• Provides twice-yearly in-service educational training to staff on life-threatening allergies, Epi-Pen administration, medication administration, and provides yearly blood-borne pathogen education.
• Serves as a resource to students, staff and parents.
• Provides consultations for team meetings as needed.
• Assists in the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
• Maintains continuing education requirements for recertification by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and registration by the Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN).
• Maintains supplies, takes inventory and orders necessary equipment for the health office and promotes a healthy and safe environment.
• Other nursing/health related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the SMEA, Unit C collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level